A NATIONWIDE food and drink chain has been revealed as the first restaurant in Chester’s new dining district.

The Restaurant Bar and Grill is preparing to open an eatery in the proposed glass-fronted development at the former Habitat building in Pepper Street.

But, despite the nationwide chain applying for a licence to stay open until 1.30am, mystery surrounds the future of the three other units as developers refuse to reveal the names of the three other restaurants due to move into the units.

Bride Hall, owner of the Grosvenor Shopping Centre, has divided the city since its plans to transform the derelict Habitat building into ‘dining district’ were announced in June last year.

Individual Restaurants, which also owns Piccolino opposite the proposed development on Pepper Street and has 32 restaurants nationwide, is hoping to open its first Bar and Grill restaurant in Cheshire within the development, which could be open in less than a year’s time.

Bride Hall refused to name chains lined up for the city centre development but said it had been approached by a number of high-profile food outlets interested in taking up the space.

In August, Cheshire West and Chester Council granted developers a provisional statement allowing the units to stay open to revellers until 1.30am, causing outrage among local residents, who claim the late night opening hours will add to ‘totally unbearable’ living conditions.

But each of the restaurants will have to apply for their licensing hours before the development opens its doors.